Stephen L Klosek

Some love stories are measured in years. Alice and Steve Klosek’s was measured in a lifetime.

Their journey began 66 years ago when Alice was just 14 years old. From that moment on, they were inseparable. They dated for ten years before marrying and spent the next 56 years building a life filled with unconditional love, laughter, friendship, and unwavering devotion to one another. They were never simply husband and wife—they were best friends, soulmates, and true partners in every sense of the word.

Their family was the center of their world.

Steve dedicated more than 32 years of his career to Sea-Land, where he served in executive leadership supporting port operations throughout the South Atlantic, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. His work took the family to Atlanta, Georgia; Coral Springs, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina, while allowing him to travel extensively throughout the Americas. He was respected for his leadership, technical expertise, incredible work ethic, and ability to solve even the most difficult challenges. Yet those who knew Steve best will remember him for something even greater—his unforgettable sense of humor, his kindness, and his ability to make everyone laugh. He truly never met a stranger.

Behind every great man stood an even greater woman. Alice was Steve’s greatest supporter, his trusted partner, and the foundation upon which their family was built. She never sought recognition, but her love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion made everything Steve accomplished possible.

After attending secretarial school and beginning her career as a production assistant, Alice chose to dedicate her life to raising her family. Though she often said she “didn’t work,” nothing could have been further from the truth. She built the home that made everything else possible. She managed every budget, kept Steve organized, made every holiday magical, prepared meals worthy of a Michelin-star restaurant, and ensured that her daughters always felt loved, safe, and supported. She was the heart of their home and the quiet strength that held everything together.

Alice and Steve were blessed with two daughters, Danielle Tynan (Bob) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kristin Gundlach (Jon) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Their daughters were the pride of their lives, and nothing brought bigger smiles to their faces than spending time with their four beloved grandchildren: Vivienne, Gavin, Abby, and Austin.

To know Alice was to know kindness. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. She somehow found the good in everyone she met. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

To know Steve was to laugh. His wit, charm, and positive spirit filled every room he entered. Whether at work, with neighbors, or around the dinner table, he left people happier than he found them. He was admired not only for what he accomplished professionally, but for the kind, funny, and genuine man he was.

Their greatest example of love came during the final chapter of Steve’s life.

For the past five years, as Steve courageously battled cancer and dementia, Alice became his devoted caregiver. She lovingly cared for his every need with extraordinary patience, grace, and selflessness. She waited on him hand and foot, advocating for him, comforting him, and remaining faithfully by his side every single day.

On Sunday evening, Alice spent hours at Steve’s hospice bedside, making sure he was comfortable and had everything he needed before returning home. That night, Alice passed away peacefully in her sleep.

On Monday, Steve followed the love of his life.

Their final days became the greatest testament to the extraordinary love they shared. After 66 years together, their souls remained inseparable. Even in death, they refused to be apart. They left this world just as they had lived their lives—together.

Alice and Steve leave behind the family they cherished above all else: their daughters, Danielle Tynan (Bob), of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kristin Gundlach (Jon), of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; their beloved grandchildren, Vivienne, Gavin, Abby, and Austin; along with many loving family members, lifelong friends, neighbors, and former colleagues whose lives were forever enriched by knowing them.

Service arrangements have not yet been finalized. Alice and Steve will likely be laid to rest together in their beloved home state of New Jersey.

Cards and condolences may be mailed to:

Danielle Tynan

7915 Landowne Drive

Atlanta, GA 30350

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Alice and Steve by making the world a better place. Whether through a donation to a charity close to your heart, supporting cancer research, helping women rebuilding their lives after hardship, caring for animals in need, planting a tree, or simply performing an act of kindness, the greatest tribute you can give is to leave the world a little better than you found it—just as they did.

Their story reminds us that true love still exists. It is found not only in grand gestures, but in everyday acts of sacrifice, laughter, loyalty, and unwavering commitment. Alice and Steve showed everyone who knew them what it means to love someone for a lifetime.

Their love story did not end. It simply continues together in eternity. ❤️